Maxar CEO seeks growth in space systems

The chief executive of Maxar Technologies said today the company is pursuing growth in its space systems business and will be more able to do so once it divests its geostationary communications satellite business.

Speaking at a Credit Suisse conference today, Howard Lance said the company's "challenge in space systems is returning to growth."

The geostationary business has been "pulling down the whole company." Maxar has said it is in active talks to sell that business.

If Maxar eliminates that business and exempts a large Canadian radar program, then it is "up 10 percent year to date in space systems," Lance said. The remainder of the business "is growing well."

Maxar is focused on growing its pipeline of U.S. work as it becomes a U.S. company, giving it access to "the largest global space market," Lance added.

The company last month announced it expects to complete its domestication into the United States in January.